DOVER — Police found a man with a prior felony conviction unconscious Thursday, who had a loaded gun strapped to his hip.

District Judge Don Bourne set bail at $10,000 for Andrew Helton, 31, on Friday during felony bond hearings at the Pope County Detention Center. Helton is being held for alleged illegal possession of a firearm. He is required to appear in Pope County Circuit Court on Aug. 5.

Court documents stated someone called police Thursday after they heard shots being fired near Laure Ridge Road at about 11:45 p.m.

A Pope County Sheriff’s (PCSO) deputy responded and found Helton passed out on the ground.

Police saw he had a hand gun in a holster which was strapped around his waist. As the deputy proceeded to remove the .357 Taurus pistol, Helton began to regain consciousness.

Helton fought briefly with police as they tried to put handcuffs on him. Officers were able to control the situation and took Helton into custody.

Police found drug paraphernalia during a search of his person. Helton had a roach clip, spoon and syringe, plus several knives, 69 live rounds and 6 spent rounds, according to the PCSO report.

Police put Helton in the back seat of a squad car where he thrashed around and then attempted to puncture his own throat in an attempt to commit suicide.

Helton told police “Just let me take my own life,” and later threatened to kill a police officer.

He was transported to the detention center where jail officials called Counseling Associates and requested an evaluation.

Bond Hearings

The following person appeared during felony bond hearings on Friday at the Pope County Detention Center. His name, age, anticipated charge and bond amount is listed. If charged, he will appear on Aug. 5 in Pope County Circuit Court.

• Rasean Smith, 43, forgery — $30,000.

Smith allegedly endorsed two checks over to a local bail bond company totaling more than $5,000. An agent with the bail bond business later discovered the checks were forged, according to court documents. When the checks were presented to the bank, it would not cash them.